HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Physicians and scientists at the Texas Heart Institute (THI) at St. Lukes Episcopal Hospital, working collaboratively with the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M Health Science Center in Houston and Baylor College of Medicine, have shown a new way to convert human skin cells into beating heart cells, according to an article being published in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS).
Researchers believe this is to be an important new and unique step toward being able to repair damage from heart attacks in human hearts, which on their own have very little regenerative capabilities.
The team, led by Robert J. Schwartz, PhD, director of Stem Cell Engineering at THI and director of UHs Center for Molecular Medicine and Experimental Therapeutics, used human skin cells called fibroblasts, and treated them with ETS2 and MESP1, two human genetic transcription factors that play important roles in the genetic network that produces cardiovascular tissues.
The skin cells were converted into progenitors of cardiomyocytes - beating heart muscle cells - within a period of weeks. Progenitors can differentiate to form one or more kinds of cells.
Dr. Schwartz explains: "Our study showed that only two factors, ETS2 and MESP1, were needed to reprogram human foreskin dermal fibroblasts into cardiac progenitors within a few days in tissue culture. Neither factor by itself was capable of converting fibroblasts into cardiac cells. These progenitors go on to express the 4 to 5 genes that Olson's and Srivastava's labs showed were critical for repairing damaged mouse hearts. Besides being on top of the regulatory hierarchy, ETS2 and MESP1 converted human skin cells into intermediate staged myocytes, as you would find in early staged embryonic hearts. Our study also used ETS2 and MESP1 proteins that can enter fibroblasts to convert non-cardiogenic cells into myocytes, thus avoiding viral infections. We are moving quickly to determine whether ETS2 and MESP1 proteins can convert cardiac fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cell that are resident in damaged hearts into cardiac progenitors for long term repair."
It is expected that the research will provide future opportunities for cell therapies and heart regeneration. The hope is that physicians will be able to convert a patients own skin cells into new heart muscle tissue to replace heart muscle damaged by a heart attack.
"One of the great needs in repairing the human heart is to find a practical and safe means of generating new heart muscle cells, said Dr. James T. Willerson, president and medical director of THI and one of the lead investigators on the research team. We will now have to see how stable and safe these cells are over time in animal models, but it is significant that we have these new paths to follow along the road to potential new therapy where there have been none before. Whether these strategies are ultimately safe in the human heart is now the question, but these are potentially very major steps forward.
Others, including a team led by Dr. Eric Olson of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, have recently reported the ability to use four other transcription factors in combination to convert cardiac fibroblasts in vivo into functioning cardiac-like myocytes in laboratory mice with experimentally created heart attacks. Another team affiliated with the University of California San Francisco also published a similar study earlier this year.
About the Texas Heart Institute
Read the rest here:
Researchers Mark Progress in Reprogramming Skin Cells Into Heart Muscle Cells
- More Stem Cells Extracted For Later Use For My MS [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Institute Panama City Panama [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2011]
- Cells That Heal Us From Cradle To Grave: A Quantum Leap in Medical Science [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2011]
- Macular Degeneration Improved With Stem Cells [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Kidney Failure [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2011]
- SIRA: Could Stem Cell Therapy Renew Your Body Cells? [Last Updated On: April 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 22nd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Autism [Last Updated On: May 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 20th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Critical Limb Ischemia [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- STEM CELLS FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION Sam Smith's story.wmv [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy Success [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- Doctors Use Stem Cells to Grow New Windpipes [Last Updated On: May 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 21st, 2011]
- Dog Undergoes Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2011]
- Dogs now getting stem cell therapy [Last Updated On: May 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 24th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis [Last Updated On: May 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 30th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Type II Diabetes [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2011]
- Visions Episode 92: Stem Cells Discovery [Last Updated On: May 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 31st, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy For Alzheimer's/Dementia [Last Updated On: June 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 1st, 2011]
- Stem Cell Patient Richard H. MS Treatment [Last Updated On: June 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 10th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy Injections [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2011]
- Stem Cells Used to Grow Windpipes [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke - Gary Steinberg, Stanford University [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): UCSD Team's Stem Cell Therapy Approach [Last Updated On: June 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy Cream: Less Wrinkles In 30 Days or Less Anti-Wrinkle Cream That Works [Last Updated On: June 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 26th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury - Injured Airline Pilot Flies Again [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- Clinical Advances in Adult Stem Cell Therapy: Dr. Jorge Paz [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Injection Treatment - Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy MS: Sam Harrell and The Superbowl [Last Updated On: June 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 27th, 2011]
- Documentary: Stem Cell Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy - Ryan Benton's Story [Last Updated On: June 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 30th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy--Hillcrest Animal Hospital [Last Updated On: July 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 14th, 2011]
- WAVE3 News Adipose Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2011]
- Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS): Stem Cell Therapy - A Patient's Perspective [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2011]
- University of Melbourne announce Stem Cells Discovery [Last Updated On: July 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: July 28th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy (Regenerative Medicine) in New Jersey [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- Spinal Cord Injury - Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- Dr. Craig Saunders Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- Embryonic stem cell therapy in China (www.esctherapy.com) [Last Updated On: August 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2011]
- Mesenchymal stem cells and marrow stromal cells [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine: Of Hopes and Challenges [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Cardiomyogenic differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem cells (KUM2/9-15c) [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- SENS4 - Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells - The Road to Skeletal Tissue Regeneration (1/3) [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Mesenchymal stem cells and marrow stromal cells---2nd--- [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Cadiomyogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation In Heart.wmv [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Ying Liu discusses IPS cell therapy for ALS [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Non-controversial Stem Cells: Rationale for Clinical Use: Neil Riordan, Ph.D. - Miami, FL [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- From Surgical Repair to Stem Cell Repair: A Surgeon's Journey by Leonard Smith MD, FACS [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Aspiration - Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- Non-controversial Stem Cells: Rationale for Clinical Use - Dr. Neil Riordan [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- TEDxSingapore - Susan Lim - Hype and hope of stem cell research [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- Cryo-Lip Instruction Video.VOB.flv [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- Stem Cells Repair Damaged Heart [7-07-2011] [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- Andalusian Stem Cell Bank [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy Clinical Advances - Dr. Jorge Paz in San Diego, CA March 2011 [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Drive New MS Study/Treatment [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2011]
- Sims 2 Mafia Story Part 7 - Farewell, Godfather/Stem Cell Medicine [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2011]
- STEM CELLS - Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Balzitt).flv [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2011]
- Regenerative Medicine With Stem Cell Therapy Injections at an Arizona pain clinic (602) 507-6550 [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Research: Huntington's Disease [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Autism Stem Cell Trip [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Before/After Stem Cell for COPD: From Unable to Walk, to Dancing at My Daughter's Wedding [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Regenerative Medicine with Placenta Extracts and Stem Cell Therapies - Dr. Janethy Balakrishnan [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Stem Cells [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- The Politics and Promise of Stem Cell Research [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Stem cell therapy in Guatemala - (closer than China) [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy - Holly Catalano [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Clinical Advances in Adult Stem Cell Therapy - Dr. Jorge Paz Rodriguez (Miami) [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- CryoLip Stem Cell Preservation [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Dr. Gonzalez tells his story of Stem Cell Treatment and Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- A Three Minute Cell Passage [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Bone Marrow - Stem Cell Prolotherapy [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy- Interview with Indian Surgeon [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- Cryo-Lip.f4v [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- CryoCord Corporate Video (2 Mins) [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- SENS4 - Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells - The Road to Skeletal Tissue Regeneration (3/3) [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2011]
- What are stem cells? [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Dental stem cell bank in Hyderabad [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapeutics: Tissue Regeneration - Christopher J. Centeno, MD [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Types and Sources [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]